Just for Kids
… and grown-ups young at heart!
A family vacation is all about making memories to last a lifetime and strengthening bonds among parents, children and siblings.
St. Maarten/St. Martin is just the destination for that. The island abounds with sights and activities to fill each day with wonder, laughter and fun.
Families have flocked to these shores for many years. This 37-square-mile island is a favorite destination for multiple generations of families. That’s because there are attractions to suit every member of the family, including the littlest ones.
Most resorts offer activities to keep the children busy on property, but it’s also worth heading out and exploring. Here are a few places to visit that will delight children — and every other family member.
Rainforest Adventures. This is the height of an adrenaline rush! Look down on the island from up above on the Sky Explorer, a chairlift that heads to the highest point on the Dutch side, Sentry Hill. Head back down The Schooner, a fast tube ride. Get back on the lift to the Sentry Hill Zip Line. The ultimate challenge is The Flying Dutchman, the steepest zip line in the world.
TriSport Bike Tour. Grab a bike from TriSport to get a different island experience. Biking is great for sightseeing and exploring. This option also lends itself to a bit of healthy competition. Book a tour package or go off-road to conquer hills and coastlines.
Seaside Nature Park. Horse stables, kayaks, trails, a playground and a petting zoo await at Seaside Nature Park in Cay Bay. The park spans 30 acres of a former plantation. Nature-loving children will find a lot to discover here. It’s the perfect place for horseback riding or launching a kayak.
Seagrape Tours. Delve into the island’s nature, history and art with a host of off- the-beaten-track tours. These guided tours can be customized to suit your group and interests. How about a bird-watching tour? Or a tour to learn more about the island’s culture? A bonus is the much-raved-about homemade banana bread and lemongrass tea!
Loterie Farm. This sugar-plantation-turned-ecological reserve is the ultimate in adventure. Fly through and above the trees on the popular Fly Zone for an exhilarating rush. Conquer the hillside with a hike to the highest point on the island: Pic Paradis (Paradise Peak). You’ll be rewarded with amazing views of Marigot and Anguilla.
Buccaneer Beach Bar. One of the best places to wind down the week, Buccaneer Beach Bar takes pride in offering a family-friendly venue with a fun and diverse atmosphere. Buccaneer has become “the place” to bring your families on Friday nights, as they light up fireballs on the beach, play children’s movies on a big screen, and host a DJ that plays a collection of lively music. All children and adults young at heart will enjoy the calm beach and a fun swimming platform. Sea Fun Water Sports is also on location offering tubing, jet-skiing and much more.
Le Galion Beach. Every beach on the island has a unique feel and character. The most popular beach for tykes is Le Galion Beach. It is favored for its shallow wading waters and calmness. Pack a picnic basket and blanket to make a trip to this beach complete. Also indulge in water sports, such as kitesurfing.
St. Martin National Nature Reserve. Spanning more than 7,000 pristine acres, this protected northeastern portion of the island is home to the brown pelican, frigates and numerous other air and land creatures. They can all be spotted in their natural habitats.
St. Maarten Marine Park. This park encompasses the waters and coastline on the Dutch side of the island. It is a sanctuary for wildlife on land and sea. With 28 dive sites, including Molly Beday and Hens and Chicks, there’s so much to dive into and encounter under the waves. If you are lucky, you may spot some migrating whales!